12 places to watch the 2014 World Cup

The madness starts on Thursday, June 12. Where will you watch?

After four years of building anticipation, the FIFA World Cup is finally back. Kicking off on Thursday, June 12, all eyes will be on Brazil, playing host to this year’s games that match country against country until Sunday, July 13.

Team U.S.A.? Viva España? Just in it for the beer and bar grub? Bars and restaurants across San Diego will be showing the games live with something for everyone. Here are 12 top spots to catch all 31-days of World Cup action.

Shakespeare Pub & Grill – Mission Hills

This popular British pub won’t miss a game of the 2014 FIFA World Cup. Seating is limited here, and the hardcore fans are notorious for lining up well in-advance to claim their space. There are three large TVs inside and one on the outdoor patio.

Over 200 imported and craft beers and a menu full of traditional British grub make this a fan-favorite for game day. Phileas Foggs welcomes locals in for the World Cup’s opening ceremony on Thursday, June 12. They’ll also be open during every game and offer an exclusive breakfast menu for the earlier matches.

With over 100 beers on tap and a new Brazilian-inspired cocktail menu just for the World Cup (we’ll have two Rio de Janeiro Mules, please), Yard House plans to show every match live on their flat screen televisions, visible from nearly every seat in the restaurant.

This is your spot if you’re U.S.A., all the way. As an official bar for the U.S. team, O’Brien’s Pub prides itself on a long list of craft beers and a menu fit for the most patriotic fan. Any day the U.S. is playing will likely be a rowdy celebration here. Hold onto your flag.

4646 Convoy St., Kearny Mesa. (858) 715-1745 or obrienspub.net

Hooley’s – La Mesa and Rancho San Diego

Another official U.S. soccer bar, Hooley’s plans to open at 9 a.m. for every match. Watch with the award-winning food and craft beer on HDTVs and two giant projectors. All ages are welcome, plus you can bring your four-legged friend on the patio seating.

With the luck of the Irish, The Field will show every World Cup match on their big-screen TVs and offer happy hour specials during the afternoon games. On Thursday, June 12, head in for the special World Cup quiz at 7:30 p.m. Wear your team’s jersey to play and win major prizes throughout the night.

Yep, another British pub that patrons flock to in San Diego. Princess pulls a major draw for World Cup fans. They’ll have every single game showing live on nine screens. Look for 18 beers on tap, signature cocktails and traditional pub grub, too.

Celebrate the games like only the Brazilians can at the Jolt’n Joe’s opening carnival featuring samba dancers, drink specials, soccer giveaways, over 50 flat screen TVs, four HD projectors and a live DJ on June 12. Miss the ceremony? Don’t worry, you can still visit Jolt’n Joes throughout the World Cup to watch the games.

Defending World Cup champion Spain is definitely on everyone’s radar this year. During the 2014 FIFA World Cup, Spanish restaurant Costa Brava will likely be filled with passionate supporters cheering at screens placed throughout the venue. Order up extra tapas to get in the spirit.

While the World Cup North Park street festivals have been cancelled, the North Park neighborhood will still be promoting the games in full spirit. Top spots in the area for game watching include Bluefoot Bar (3404 30th St.), Café Calabria (3933 30th St.), Waypoint Public (3794 30th St.) and West Coast Tavern (2895 University Ave.)

Did we miss one? Leave a comment with your local World Cup-watching suggestion!